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John,

Yet another Black survivor of domestic violence is being criminalized for
saving her own life, adding to this country's shameful legacy of
anti-Black misogyny.^1  

Tracy McCarter is a Black mother, grandmother, and trained nurse from New
York who is facing criminal prosecution for the death of her estranged
husband, James Murray.^2

In the summer of 2019, Tracy separated from Murray, who is white, after he
repeatedly struck, kicked, and choked her. During their separation his
drinking worsened and his violence escalated.^3 In March 2020, Murray was
drunk and assaulted Tracy, which resulted in his death.^4 

Despite evidence of Tracy calling the police and providing medical
assistance until the paramedics arrived, she was wrongfully arrested for
murder.^5 The 44-year old nurse was jailed on Rikers Island for seven
months without an option for release during the height of the COVID-19
pandemic.^6 

Newly elected Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg, a former civil rights attorney,
campaigned on the need to balance public safety and fairness. Bragg even
publicly declared his support stating during his election campaign, “I
#StandWithTracy. Prosecuting a domestic violence survivor who acted in
self-defense is unjust." Nevertheless, DA Bragg has remained silent on the
case in the months since taking office.^7 

District Attorney Bragg has the power to end the cycle of criminalizing
survivors of domestic violence in Manhattan and ensure Tracy is free from
the threat of incarceration. [ [link removed] ]That’s why we’re asking you,
John, to sign our petition, and help amplify our demand for
District Attorney Bragg to truly #StandWithTracy by dropping all charges
against her immediately.  

[ [link removed] ]Sign the petition to #standwithtracy

We need District Attorney Bragg to follow through in his commitments to
end overzealous prosecutions and end the ordeal for Tracy. 

According to Leigh Goodmark, the Director of the University of Maryland’s
Gender Violence Clinic, “Black women are disproportionately represented
among victims of violence who are arrested, because the system is only
responsive to the perfect victim.”^ 8 —someone who is white, cisgender,
and middle-class. And in New York, 90% of incarcerated women have been
subjected to domestic violence— a pattern of power and control that limits
survivors’ choices.^9 

But John, this is not a coincidence. The criminal legal system
works this way by design to criminalize Black girls and women for using
their agency to fight back and even survive. 

[ [link removed] ]Demand DA ALVING BRAGG DROPS ALL CHARGES AGAINST TRACY MCCARTER

In September 2020, the Manhattan District Attorney’s office finally
consented to her release on GPS monitoring by way of an electronic
shackle.^10 However, e-incarceration has made it impossible for Tracy to
continue working as a healthcare professional, complete her advanced
degree at Columbia University, seek the treatment she needs to begin her
healing journey, or visit her family, including her first grandchild who
was born while Tracy was incarcerated. 

John, no one should be forced to bear the pain and trauma of
being dragged through the criminal legal system simply for surviving.

[ [link removed] ]It’s time DA Bragg prioritizes the lives of survivors of domestic
violence and drops all charges against Tracy McCarter. Can we count on you
to sign the petition?

Until justice is real, 

The Criminal Justice and Democracy Team at Color Of Change 

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References: 

 1. "Black women punished for self-defense must be freed from their
cages." The Guardian.
[link removed]
 2. "Attorneys Raise Body Camera Evidence Questions In Manhattan
"Self-Defense"m Murder Case." Gothamist.
[link removed]
 3. Prosecutors ignored evidence of her estranged husband's abuse. she
faces 25 years in prison for murder. The Intercept.
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 4. Ibid. 
 5. Ibid.
 6. Ibid. 
 7. "Pressure mounts for Manhattan district attorney to drop charges of
criminalized survivor Tracy McCarter" Prism.
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 8. Prosecutors ignored evidence of her estranged husband's abuse. she
faces 25 years in prison for murder. The Intercept.
[link removed]
 9. Ibid.
10. "DA Alvin Bragg Still Won't Drop Charges Against Manhattan Woman
Charged with Murder Who Says She Acted in Self-Defense." The City.
[link removed]


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[ [link removed] ]ColorOfChange is building a movement to elevate the voices of Black
folks and our allies, and win real social and political change.

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